Sept. 16--Javier Baez came through the Chicago Cubs' system as a shortstop before moving to second base last season.
And Tuesday night, Baez showed that he's capable of playing major league caliber third base with ease -- which could help him and the Cubs when they start to sort their playoff roster possibilities.
Baez's most impressive play was a slow grounder that he charged and fielded with his bare right hand and made an accurate, off-balance throw to first base to retire Michael Morse of the Pirates to end the third inning.
"That almost was like the old Brooks Robinson, Graig Nettles kind of thing, where you look at the ball and then throw it to first base without any stress is outstanding," manager Joe Maddon said.
Versatility is a major consideration, especially for Maddon. Kris Bryant, the Cubs' starting third baseman, played right and made a catch against the right field fence to rob Andrew McCutchen of an extra base hit to end the sixth.
But Baez presents an interesting case because of his defensive prowess around the infield and that he's showing major improvement at the plate.
"You know he can play in the middle and play defense," Maddon said of Baez as a playoff option. "It depends on your pitcher and their pitcher."
Baez, meanwhile, showed impressive instincts by saying he knew he had no chance of retiring Morse if he fielded the grounder with his glove and tried to transfer the ball to his right hand.
"I feel good at third base and I thought it was going to be weird, but I'm seeing the ball off the bat very well," Baez said. "I do everything left-handed (except throw and bat). I'm just really good at it, I guess."
Baez also sported a face guard at the plate to protect his face. "I had dental work, and I want to protect my mouth before anything happens. I don't want to wait to get hit before I protect it."
